Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A.DC.

Introduction

The Natal plum is a common and often conspicuous species in coastal bush and sand dunes.

Description

Description

The amatungulu is a fast-growing, ornamental shrub that is wind resistant and can grow in coastal areas. It usually forms a dense thorny shrub but it can grow into a small tree up to 4 m high. This species has Y- shaped thorns; the young branches are green and all parts of the plant exude a white, milky, non-toxic latex.

Leaves are leathery, a shiny dark green above and paler below, 20-60 x 15-35 mm, egg-shaped, oval or almost round. The tips of the leaves are sharply or bluntly pointed and usually with a mucro, a thorn-like point. The flowers vary in size, up to 35 mm in diameter, are pure white and scented like orange blossom. The flower tube is hairy within. The large, oval red fruit is edible and is rich in Vitamin C, magnesium and phosphorus. It flowers from spring to midsummer. A low-growing form of C. macrocarpa, Green carpet, is a popular groundcover plant which seldom grows more than knee-height.

Distribution and habitat

Distribution description

It grows in coastal bush, coastal forests and on sand dunes, from Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape northwards through Kwazulu-Natal to Mozambique.

Derivation of name and historical aspects

History

The name Carissa is derived from the Sanskrit corissa, the name of one of the Indian species. The specific name macrocarpa is derived from Greek macro= large and carpus=fruit. The common name amatungulu is the Zulu name amaTungula meaning 'fruit of the umThungula' (Palmer & Pitman 1972).

Uses

Use

The shrub makes a good garden hedge and the fruits can be eaten raw or made into delicious jams or jellies. This ornamental shrub attracts birds and butterflies to the garden.

Growing Carissa macrocarpa

Grow

Plant 1 m apart to form a dense, impenetrable hedge in full sun to semi-shade in good garden soil, enriched with compost. It can be pruned if necessary. It is best grown from seed, but can also be grown from cuttings. Fill the seed tray with soil and compact lightly. Treat seed with a pre-emergence fungicide and sow in the tray, cover the seed with a thin layer of soil or compost and water well. Store tray in a wind-free area. Once germinated, replant seedlings into well-composted soil. Seedlings can be fed with a liquid fertilizer.

Coming from coastal areas, this plant is frost tender, but can survive a little frost if planted in a protected spot.